NEW ORLEANS —Former New Orleans Saints coach Mike Ditka died at the age of 86, according to a report by ESPN. 

Ditka, the first tight end to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, led the 1985 Chicago Bears to the franchise's only Super Bowl title. Ditka led the Bears to the playoffs seven times during his 11 seasons with the team, with the team playing in the NFC Championship three times.

Ditka previously won Rookie of the Year in 1961 after becoming the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. Ditka played six years for the Bears, two for the Philadelphia Eagles and four for the Dallas Cowboys, being a member of the Bears' 1963 NFL championship  team and the Cowboys team who won Super 
Bowl VI.

Ditka joined the New Orleans Saints in 1997 following his termination from the Bears after the 1992 season, going 15-33 in his three seasons with the team. 

Following his coaching career, Ditka worked as an analyst for both NBC and ESPN, becoming a member of ESPN's "Sunday morning Countdown" from 2006 to 2015. 

"Beyond the wins and losses, his genuine kindness, vibrant personality, and immense generosity to many within our facility created an enduring legacy that our staff and community still fondly remember," Saints officials said in a statement released on Friday. "While the football world remembers 'Iron Mike' for his unparalleled competitive spirit, we admire the true character, passion, and unique energy he brought to our franchise."